Three Suspects Sought for Rock‑Throwing Incident on 101 Freeway

Three suspects are being sought by authorities after they allegedly threw large rocks at California Highway Patrol officers during anti‑immigration enforcement protests on the southbound 101 Freeway in Los Angeles. The incident took place on June 8, a day marked by violent clashes between demonstrators and police. Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Background

Authorities Wednesday announced that the three individuals were part of a larger group of young men who arrived on the freeway riding pocket bikes. The group reportedly began committing assaults and vandalism once they entered the area. Police say the suspects were actively involved in the rock‑throwing incident.

Incident Details

The protests that erupted in June were aimed at anti‑immigration enforcement policies, drawing crowds that sometimes turned hostile. During the unrest, demonstrators clashed with law enforcement, leading to several violent altercations. The June 8 event was one of the most severe incidents recorded by the California Highway Patrol.

The alleged assault involved throwing large rocks at officers who were on duty along the southbound lanes of the 101 Freeway. The rocks were described as sizable enough to cause damage to patrol vehicles and personnel. The incident prompted an immediate response from local police and sheriff’s deputies.

June 8 was the date when the confrontation escalated, with demonstrators using rocks, Molotov cocktails, and high‑grade pyrotechnics, according to Sheriff Robert Luna. Luna reported that about a dozen deputies were injured during the confrontation. The injuries ranged from minor bruises to more serious wounds requiring medical attention.

The location of the incident was the southbound 101 Freeway in Los Angeles, a major thoroughfare that frequently experiences high traffic volumes. Officers were patrolling the area when the rocks were thrown, creating a dangerous environment for both law enforcement and motorists. The freeway’s position made the incident particularly disruptive.

Law enforcement officials described the rocks as large and capable of causing significant damage to patrol vehicles. The rocks were thrown from a distance that allowed demonstrators to evade immediate capture. The act of throwing rocks is considered a violent assault on peace officers under California law.

Authorities Wednesday looked for three people who were identified as the primary suspects in the rock‑throwing incident. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said the suspects were part of a group that had engaged in violent conduct. The department is actively seeking the public’s assistance in locating the suspects.

The suspects were part of a larger group of young men who were riding pocket bikes during the protests. The group arrived in the area and began committing assaults and vandalism. The pocket bikes were a notable feature of the group’s appearance.

One of the suspects was older than the other two and was wearing a hooded sweatshirt with the logo of a Small Engine Cams company. His pocket bike appeared to have an extended rear exhaust pipe, a detail noted by investigators. The other two suspects were seen wearing dark clothing and helmets with bright color markings.

The older suspect’s attire included a hooded sweatshirt that bore the Small Engine Cams logo, a detail that has been highlighted in police descriptions. Investigators noted that the suspect’s pocket bike had an extended rear exhaust pipe, suggesting modifications to the vehicle. This information has been used in the ongoing search for the individuals.

The pocket bike associated with the older suspect was described as having an extended rear exhaust pipe, a feature that distinguishes it from standard models. This detail was captured in surveillance footage and witness statements. The modification may have been intended to increase engine performance or alter the bike’s appearance.

The other two suspects were observed wearing dark clothing that helped them blend into the surrounding environment. They also wore helmets that featured bright color markings, making them somewhat distinguishable from other demonstrators. Witnesses noted that the helmets were a key element in identifying the individuals.

Bright color markings on the helmets of the two younger suspects were a distinctive feature that has been included in police descriptions. The markings made the helmets stand out against the dark clothing the suspects wore. This detail has been shared with the public to aid in identification.

Sheriff Robert Luna said deputies were attacked with “rocks, Molotov cocktails and ‘high‑grade pyrotechnics,” injuring about a dozen deputies. He described the scene as chaotic and dangerous. The statement highlighted the severity of the confrontation.

About a dozen deputies were injured during the confrontation, according to Sheriff Luna. The injuries ranged from minor bruises to more serious wounds. The incident underscored the risks faced by law enforcement during protest events.

Three days after the alleged attack, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office announced charges against a number of people accused of assaulting peace officers, resisting arrest, and using dangerous weapons. The charges included the use of motorcycles, fireworks, and firearms, reflecting the variety of tactics employed during the protests. The DA’s Office cited alleged cases of driving at officers, throwing fireworks, or wielding weapons as part of the evidence. The announcement was made in a statement released to the public.

The charges brought by the District Attorney’s Office cover assaulting peace officers, resisting arrest, and using dangerous weapons. The accusations involve the use of motorcycles, fireworks, and firearms, according to the statement. The charges aim to hold individuals accountable for the violent actions that took place during the protests.

Alleged cases include driving at officers, throwing fireworks, and wielding weapons, all of which were cited in the charges. The DA’s Office emphasized that these actions contributed to the injuries sustained by deputies. The evidence was gathered from surveillance footage and witness testimony.

LASD Major Crimes Bureau- Metro Detail is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying any or all three pictured suspects. They are also looking for the suspects’ current whereabouts and any additional information or evidence related to the violent crime. The department has made a public appeal for tips that could help locate the individuals. The request underscores the importance of community cooperation in solving the case.

Anyone with information was urged to contact the Sheriff’s Department at (562)946-7893. The department also encourages anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers. Contacting the department can help expedite the investigation. The phone number is available 24 hours a day for tips.

Crime Stoppers offers an anonymous tip line at (800)222-8477. The service allows individuals to share information without revealing their identity. Tips received through Crime Stoppers are forwarded to law enforcement agencies. The department encourages the public to use this resource for safety.

The public is asked to provide any details that could help identify or locate the suspects. Information such as descriptions, vehicle details, or recent sightings is valuable. The department is grateful for any assistance received. The public’s cooperation can lead to arrests.

Providing accurate information is crucial for the investigation. The department stresses that even seemingly minor details can be significant. Community members are urged to share what they know. The collaboration between law enforcement and the public is essential.

The incident highlights the challenges of maintaining public safety during large protests. It also underscores the risks faced by officers who respond to violent confrontations. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of lawful protest. The authorities remain vigilant in pursuing justice.

Anti‑immigration enforcement protests in June drew large crowds, some of whom engaged in violent actions. The demonstrations reflected broader national debates on immigration policy. The June 8 event was a stark example of the tensions that can arise during such protests. The incident prompted a strong law‑enforcement response.

Law enforcement agencies experienced significant strain during the protests. The injuries sustained by deputies highlighted the physical dangers involved. The incidents prompted a review of protest protocols. The authorities are working to improve safety measures.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is leading the investigation into the rock‑throwing incident. Their role includes identifying suspects and coordinating with other agencies. The department is also responsible for gathering evidence. The investigation continues with the help of the community.

The LASD Major Crimes Bureau- Metro Detail is specifically tasked with handling the case. They are working closely with the California Highway Patrol. The bureau has issued a public request for information. Their efforts aim to bring the suspects to justice.

Key takeaways from the incident include the seriousness of the assault on officers, the involvement of multiple weapons, and the ongoing search for the suspects. The authorities are actively seeking public assistance to locate the individuals. The incident serves as a reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement during protests. Anyone with information should contact the Sheriff’s Department or Crime Stoppers immediately.